Skanda Sashti Significance & Spiritual Meaning
Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya), celebrating his victory over the demon Surapadman. It is especially popular in Tamil Nadu.
Skanda Sashti Mythology & Legend
According to the Skanda Purana, Murugan defeated Surapadman and his army after a six-day battle. The demon was transformed into a peacock (his vahana) and a rooster (his flag). Devotees fast for six days and celebrate the victory on the sixth day.
Skanda Sashti Puja Rituals & Vidhi
- Observe a six-day fast (or one day on Sashti); bathe at sunrise.
- Visit Murugan temples; offer flowers, milk, and panchamrit.
- Recite Kanda Shashti Kavacham or Subramanya mantras.
- On the sixth day, participate in Soora Samharam (demon-slaying) re-enactment if available.
Skanda Sashti Mantras in Sanskrit
ॐ सरवणाभवाय नमः
oṃ saravaṇābhavāya namaḥ
Salutations to Saravana Bhava (Murugan)
Skanda Sashti Traditional Foods & Prasad
- ●Fruits
- ●Pongal
- ●Sundal
- ●No non-veg during fast
Skanda Sashti Regional Celebrations across India
Tamil Nadu(சுகந்த ஷஷ்டி)
Six-day fast, Soora Samharam
Sri Lanka (Tamil)(சுகந்த ஷஷ்டி)
Temple festivals
Skanda Sashti Do's & Don't's
Do's
- ✓Fast with devotion
- ✓Visit Murugan temple
- ✓Chant Kavacham
- ✓Offer flowers
Don'ts
- ✗Do not eat non-veg during fast
- ✗Avoid disrespect to Murugan
- ✗Do not skip the sixth day
Skanda Sashti — Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Skanda Sashti?
- Skanda Sashti is a six-day festival dedicated to Lord Murugan (Skanda/Kartikeya), celebrating his victory over the demon Surapadman.
- What are the Skanda Sashti puja rituals?
- Observe a six-day fast (or one day on Sashti); bathe at sunrise.; Visit Murugan temples; offer flowers, milk, and panchamrit.; Recite Kanda Shashti Kavacham or Subramanya mantras.; On the sixth day, participate in Soora Samharam (demon-slaying) re-enactment if available.
- What to eat on Skanda Sashti?
- Fruits, Pongal, Sundal, No non-veg during fast
- What should you do on Skanda Sashti?
- Fast with devotion; Visit Murugan temple; Chant Kavacham
- What should you avoid on Skanda Sashti?
- Do not eat non-veg during fast; Avoid disrespect to Murugan; Do not skip the sixth day
- Which deity is worshipped on Skanda Sashti?
- Skanda Sashti is dedicated to Murugan.